Punisher #1

TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK. For Frank Castle death comes easy...life is where things gets complicated. Fully loaded with the Eisner winning writer Greg Rucka (Batwoman, Queen and Country, WOLVERINE) and neo-superstar artist Marco Checchetto (Amazing Spider-Man, Daredevil), the BIGGEST GUN of all returns with blood on his hands and vengeance in his eyes. As New York City's body counts continue to rise, the city's streets are teeming with more methodical criminals than ever and a police force doing it's best to keep its head above water. The Punisher has returned to serve his own brand of justice with everything's he's got... but can he survive the darkness stored in his own arsenal? Plus bonus pages exploring some of the new personalities in Frank's life...and how closely intertwined living is with dying.more

I went into this series without much in the way of expectations, but this book still managed to take me by surprise. The writing and art work combine for some powerful moments throughout both stories. Rucka and Checchetto clearly have a distinct Punisher story that they want to tell, and I want to be there to read it. Read Full Review

The last of the Marvel Knights reboots is here an wow was this a great book. I love Greg Rucka's take on the Punisher. He said absolutely nothing the entire issue. He didn't even narrate it, which is the norm for most Punisher books. Instead, it seems that this time around, the Punisher is going to be a third party. Read Full Review

For those anticipating Frank Castle's return to a solo series in the main Marvel Universe, The Punisher #1 should satisfy. The book introduces new, interesting characters to the ensemble cast, shows Frank Castle doing what he does best, and maybe most exciting of all, doesn't tiptoe around the violent world that Frank Castle has succumbed to being a part of. If only Checchetto's art was more consistent, then we would have a do-not-miss slam dunk. But even so, The Punisher #1 still comes highly recommended. Welcome back, Frank. Read Full Review

And that' s actually got me wondering" there is nothing in this first issue that would be out of place in the MAX version of The Punisher: it's every bit as bloody as anything Ennis ever wrote (“Parental Advisory” seems like an understatement), and makes me fear that maybe Marvel's going to close up shop on the MAX book, since they've clearly allowed Rucka and the artists to take the gloves off in a big way here. That would certainly be a shame, as Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon are turning out a uniquely warped comic series; the irony here is that Rucka and Checcetto might actually be out-MAXing them. Read Full Review

Pick up this issue if you've liked what the Punisher has been in the past. It glosses over the weirdness of Franken-Castle and brings us back around to what we all love: mobsters dying, guns blazing and the thirst for vengeance being satiated. This isn't Punisher MAX, but it'll do. Read Full Review

With a new #1, "The Punisher" relaunch under the 'Big Shots' banner is going to be a treat. It reads well, it looks just as good, and will appeal to a broad audience. It'll be interesting to see over subsequent issues how Rucka's vision for this character plays out. This issue delivers a ballet of blood that kick starts a myth of a man of death. You could almost call this 'The Ballad of Frank Castle' and you'd have the tone nailed down. Read Full Review

Marco Checchetto turns in some of his best work to date with Punisher #1. I like his interplay between standard panel layout and more unexpected pages. Checchetto understands that for real movement and action to unfold, there has to be a succession of images that allow our imagination to fill in the blanks. His work on both scenes of violence move like film sequences and the rest of the book keeps a rapid fire pace that makes the issue a page-turner. Punisher #1 is a re-launch of a character that is beset on all sides by the violence and greed of evil men. You have to tell that story with fluidity and action, something Cheecchetto does with ease. I won’t come out fully and say the Punisher is back; Marvel could still screw it up, but for now I’m happier with the character than I have been for a long time. Read Full Review